Hearing impaired face gap in coverage

I have been a productive employee in the work force for 37 years. I am now three years from retirement and am ready to kick back, enjoy life and simply check the mailbox as my job.

I have been a productive employee in the work force for 37 years. I am now three years from retirement and am ready to kick back, enjoy life and simply check the mailbox as my job.

Only one problem: My hearing has ebbed to the point that I am considered deaf without the assistance of hearing aids. My employer says I cannot continue my job without the ability to hear; the insurance company says hearing aids are not covered, as they are considered “cosmetic.” As a result, I have spent over $10,000 in the past six years for three pairs of hearing aids just to retain employment, and I hope to last until retirement.

People such as myself are overlooked in today’s society. We have no options. We seem to fall through the cracks. Why is deafness not considered a disability? Is it my fault? The disability board says so, as my condition is considered to be “correctable” — at my expense, of course.

Is there any organization, foundation or other help for the deaf? Can anyone hear me?